[Paddlewise] ACA Report

Gary J. is snipped: <<There is a need for a rock-bottom-intro course that is 
very short, and open to all who might wan[t] or need it.>>

The ACA does a good job of providing a bunch of low level classes to get the 
common denominator paddler the basic information they need.  

Nick Schade" is snipped:  <<I won't try to justify the ACA in grouping white 
water with sea kayaking, however at this point most accident statistics glom 
all canoeing and kayaking into one group.>>

My concern is that the ACA is representing itself rather than paddlers.  As a 
sea kayaker who does not do whitewater, I would like to see the statistics 
broken out.  I have not seen the report but I bet the majority of accidents 
are either whitewater or alcohol related.  My point is despite recreational 
kayaks being the fastest growing group, I doubt that is where most accidents 
are.  By promoting this type legislation, ACA is promoting a requirement for 
people to take their courses.

Nick Schade is also snipped: <<What is the easiest thing to teach a casual 
paddler so he or she can deal with a capsize...A casual paddler will not take 
the time to practice sophisticated self rescue techniques...If you had his 
attention at a demo for 3 minutes, what would you show the guy that could 
potentially save his life? >>

Assuming the question was not rhetorical:  First teach them about proper gear 
like float bags and pumps.  Then teach them to right the boat and bail the 
water out until they can get in and finish bailing.  If the boat has no bow 
floatation at all, they are SOL and should have listened to the part about 
floatation.

Brian Blankinship
ACA Open Water Coastal Kayaking Instructor



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